Shocks & Struts
How do I know if my vehicle really needs new shock absorbers?
You need new shocks (and/or struts) if your original shocks (or struts)
are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see (just look
for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut) as is damage
(broken mount, badly dented housing, etc.). But wear is often more of a
subjective thing to judge. There are also instances where the original
equipment shocks may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may not be
adequate for the job they're being asked to do. In such cases, upgrading
the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock (or
strut) may be recommended to improve handling, for trailer towing, hauling
overloads or other special uses.
|
|
Xpertech Auto Repair
101 N. McCall Road
Englewood, FL 34223
Ph.
(941)474-3793
|
|
Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body roll or sway excessively when cornering or driving in crosswinds? Does
the suspension bottom out when backing out of the driveway or when hauling extra passengers or weight?
A "bounce test" is still a valid means of checking the dampening ability
of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one
or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks
or struts are showing their age and need to be replaced.
Why Replace Them?
Weak shocks and struts won't necessarily create a driving hazards if
you continue to drive on them, but there are studies that show worn
shocks increase the distance it takes to stop a vehicle on a rough
surface. Increased body sway due to weak shocks or struts can also
increase the risk of skidding on wet or slick surfaces.
Worn
shocks and struts also increase suspension wear (though marginally)
but can have an effect on tire wear.
The reason why most people decide to have worn shocks or struts
replaced, however, is to improve overall ride quality. If you're
sick of bouncing and rocking on rough roads, a new set of shocks or
struts will firm up your suspension and restore proper ride control.
If you're interested in performance handling, you can upgrade to
premium "gas" charged shocks or struts. These are charged with high
pressure nitrogen gas to help minimize foaming in the hydraulic
fluid inside the shock. This lessens "fade" on rough roads and helps
the vehicle maintain better ride control when cornering.
There are also "heavy-duty" replacement shocks and struts that have
larger diameter pistons than stock. These too, provide increases
resistance for greater control -- but may be a little too harsh for
everyday driving. So some shocks have special valving or adjustable
valving that allows the amount of resistance to vary.
Another option to consider if you tow a trailer or haul extra cargo
are overload or air-assist shocks. Overload shocks have a coil
spring around them to increase the load carrying capacity of the
suspension (these also tend to ride stiffer than standard
replacement shocks). Air-assist shocks have an adjustable air
bladder that acts like a spring to carry extra weight. With this
type of shock, air can be added on an "as needed" basis when hauling
extra weight. |
|
|